2024 Kia Seltos Review: Terrific small SUV, terrible name

November 14, 2023

Go ahead and forget the name for a second. Actually, it’s probably best to always forget about the name, maybe even call it something entirely different – whatever you concoct will certainly be better than 2024 Kia Seltos. And frankly, this little SUV deserves better than to sound like a drug advertised during “Jeopardy!” with spooky side effects. It’s one of our top-recommended subcompact SUVs, a fantastic example of not needing to spend a lot to get a lot. It provides loads of passenger and cargo space for the price, exceptional tech, a rare engine upgrade option, and attractive style, especially inside.

The Seltos gets its first major update for 2024, including a subtle restyle that makes both the front and rear a little less busy. The corner-to-corner LED taillight strip is probably the most obvious change. The interior gets the same curved, twin-screen housing as other Kias, with the screen size determined by trim level (most get the bigger combo). There’s a new Seltos X-Line trim level that gets a more rugged-looking grille and raised roof rails for easier accessory fitment. It also gets the same turbo engine upgrade as the SX, which receives an extra 20 horsepower for 2024 along with a conventional eight-speed automatic in place of the old dual-clutch automated manual.

All told, the Seltos is an even better choice. The excellent new Chevy Trax and Buick Envista have taken a serious chunk out of Kia’s value proposition, but the Seltos nevertheless offers more equipment (including the option of all-wheel drive), a higher-quality cabin and an engine upgrade. The Seltos is also a compelling alternative to our other recommended choices in the subcompact SUV segment, the Mazda CX-30 and Volkswagen Taos, while surpassing the popular-but-underwhelming Honda HR-V and Toyota Corolla Cross. Well, except for that name. Ick.